If you are searching for a vibrant, comforting, and unexpectedly delightful dish to add to your dinner rotation, this Picadillo Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with a harmonious blend of savory ground beef, bright bell peppers, tangy tomato sauce, and the sweet surprise of raisins balanced by salty olives, this traditional dish lights up your plate with rich flavors and inviting aromas. It’s a dish that’s both simple enough for a weeknight and special enough to serve to friends, making it a versatile favorite that never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of accessible ingredients, this Picadillo Recipe highlights how everyday pantry staples come together to create a dish full of character. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that result in a truly unforgettable meal.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes Picadillo so comforting and filling.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until tender and fragrant.
- Garlic cloves: Provide a warm, aromatic kick that infuses the dish with richness.
- Red or green bell peppers: Bring crunch and vibrant color, brightening every bite.
- Canned tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy backdrop soaking into every ingredient.
- Green olives: Offer briny bursts that contrast the sweetness of raisins beautifully.
- Raisins: Add a subtle sweetness and chewy texture that makes Picadillo uniquely delicious.
- Cumin and paprika: Essential spices that give the dish its warm, smoky undertones.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, helping develop those golden, caramelized flavors in the veggies and beef.
How to Make Picadillo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until they become soft and fragrant—this step unlocks the sweet and savory base that will carry the entire dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Turn up the heat just a bit and add your ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the aromatics.
Step 3: Add Bell Peppers and Seasonings
Mix in the chopped bell peppers along with salt and pepper. Keep cooking until the peppers soften, adding this fresh texture and color to the mix while enhancing the savory profile.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce, Raisins, and Olives
Pour in the tomato sauce, then stir in cumin, paprika, chopped green olives, and raisins. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens just right.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
Give your Picadillo a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve it hot—this dish shines when piled over fluffy white rice or tucked into warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Picadillo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of avocado can add a fresh and creamy contrast to the warm, hearty flavors of Picadillo. A wedge of lime on the side also brightens the dish just before eating.
Side Dishes
This Picadillo Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides such as steamed white rice, black beans, or even crispy fried plantains, which add sweetness and a playful texture contrast to the savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Use Picadillo as a filling for tacos or empanadas, or even turn it into a delicious stuffed pepper dish by hollowing out bell peppers and baking them with Picadillo inside. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, serve it atop crispy tortilla chips with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Picadillo keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers incredibly tasty and effortless to heat up for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to stash some Picadillo away for even longer, it freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated Picadillo gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore its saucy texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this Picadillo Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to keep the texture hearty. You can also boost the veggies by adding mushrooms or chopped zucchini to maintain the dish’s satisfying mouthfeel.
What type of olives work best in Picadillo?
Green olives are traditional in many Picadillo recipes because their briny tang contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of raisins and tomato sauce. You can experiment with pimento-stuffed or Manzanilla olives for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is Picadillo spicy?
This Picadillo Recipe as presented is mild, focusing more on the warmth of cumin and paprika rather than heat. If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños while cooking.
Can I prepare Picadillo ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Picadillo is excellent for entertaining because it tastes great even after sitting for a bit. Prepare it in advance and reheat before serving, or use it as a filling for buffet-style tacos or sliders.
What is the best way to serve Picadillo for meal prep?
Serve Picadillo over a bed of rice or quinoa with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal prep bowl. It reheats well, making it ideal for lunches that are quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Picadillo Recipe is a wonderful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that hugs you with every bite, promising warmth, comfort, and deliciousness that feels like home. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do!
Print
Picadillo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Picadillo recipe featuring lean ground beef simmered with aromatic spices, bell peppers, olives, and raisins. This classic Latin American dish is perfect served over rice or wrapped in tortillas for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red or green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring and breaking the meat apart with a spatula until it is fully browned.
- Cook the peppers: Stir in the chopped bell peppers along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté the mixture until the peppers soften, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the mixture: Add the canned tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, raisins, and chopped green olives. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the Picadillo and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over rice or use as a filling for tortillas for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish light but flavorful.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Raisins add a nice subtle sweetness balancing the savory flavors; you can adjust amount to taste.
- Picadillo pairs well with white rice, black beans, or tostones.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
